Sermon 2. 3. 2025
Today we encounter a text from the Gospel of Luke (L9:28-43a) which presents us with two faces of Jesus' ministry - the moment of divine glory on the Mount of Transfiguration and then the harsh reality of human suffering in the valley. This contrast speaks to us especially powerfully in this season when we are on the threshold of Lent.
In these days we are still experiencing the echoes of the carnival revelry in Milevsko and its surroundings. Our town is famous for its carnival parade, one of the largest in the country. Masqueraders paraded through the streets, people rejoiced, sang and danced. It is a time of abundance and merriment before a period of renunciation and quiet. And it is no coincidence that today, just before we enter Lent, we hear the story of Jesus' transfiguration.
On the mountain, Jesus was transfigured before the eyes of his disciples. His face was radiant, his clothes dazzling white. Moses and Elijah, the representatives of the Law and the Prophets, appeared beside him and spoke to him about his "departure" which was to be fulfilled in Jerusalem. Peter, overwhelmed by this revelation, proposes to build three tabernacles - he wants to prolong this moment of glory, to stop time.
Isn't this similar to our carnival revelry? We, too, would like to prolong the time of joy, abundance and carefree. We too sometimes long to stay as long as possible "on the imaginary mountain", in safety and glory, away from the problems of everyday life. But just as Jesus had to come down from the mountain, we too must come down from the heights of our joy.
This descent comes symbolically with Ash Wednesday, which is just a few days away. Ashes will remind us, "Dust you are and to dust you shall return." It is a reminder of our mortality, our fragility, our humanity. It is a descent from the mountain of glory into the valley of mediocrity and sometimes suffering.
And that is exactly what we see in the second part of our text today. Jesus descends from the mountain and immediately encounters human suffering - a father whose son is plagued by an evil spirit. The disciples who remained below were unable to help the boy. Their faith was not enough. And Jesus, who has just experienced a moment of divine glory, must now contend with human weakness and unbelief.
"An unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus cries out in a pained sigh. How quickly the atmosphere has changed! From the mountain of glory to the valley of frustration. From the divine light to the darkness of human suffering.
Sisters and brothers, isn't that sometimes our story too? Do we not also experience these contrasts? Moments of joy and moments of sorrow, moments of faith and moments of doubt, days of strength and days of weakness?
The season of Lent, which we enter on Ash Wednesday, invites us to this very descent - not a descent into despair, but a descent into the Deep, a descent into the Truth about ourselves. He invites us to look at our weakness, at our unbelief, at our failure, and at ourselves. But it also assures us that even in this darkness, Jesus is with us - the one who knows glory and suffering.
Jesus in our story did not escape suffering. He didn't sit down in one of the tabernacles Peter wanted to set up. He came down from the mountain and faced the reality of human suffering. And not only that - he transformed that suffering. He healed the demon-possessed boy, and "everyone marveled at the greatness of God."
This is the hope that Lent gives us. It is not just a time of renunciation and sorrow. It is a time when we can encounter Jesus in the Valley of our lives, in our weakness and unbelief. And it is a time when we can experience how Jesus transforms that weakness into a testimony of God's greatness.
Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday, glory and suffering, the mountain and the valley - these contrasts follow us throughout our lives. But the Gospel tells us that God is present in both of these extremes. He is with us in our joy and in our sorrow, in our heights and in our depths.
When you think back to Saturday's carnival procession, to the joy and rejoicing you experienced, remember Jesus' glory on the Mount of Transfiguration. And when we enter Lent on Wednesday, even if we do not gather for worship, let us remember in our homes and in our hearts our impermanence and mortality, and let us remember Jesus who came down from the mountain to encounter and transform human suffering.
For this is the way Jesus leads us - the way between glory and suffering, between joy and pain, between life and death. And on this journey he never leaves us, whether we gather together for worship or live out our faith in the silence of our homes. Amen.
sermon by br. Vladimir V. Karbusicky
Christmas Vigil
24. 12. 2024
Today we stand on the threshold of Christmas, a time of expectation and hope. In the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:1-14) we read about the census under the Emperor Augustus - not a mere historical figure, but a profound sign of how God enters into our lives, into our concrete situations. Today, just as then, he comes into our everyday concerns and joys.
Consider the striking contrast - on the one hand, the mighty Emperor Augustus with his order for a census, a display of worldly power and strength. And it is at this time that a true King is born in a simple manger. God does not choose lavish palaces, but comes in humility and simplicity. This is a message for us too - the Kingdom of God is not manifested in pomp, but in the simplicity of our hearts.
Our inner child is being born in each of us, perhaps it is being born in us today. A child who has dreams, desires and visions. A child who looks at the world with eyes full of wonder, excited to explore and learn new things. Like little Jesus, our inner child needs protection from the "Herods" of our lives - from those who would trample on our dreams and hopes, from the cynicism and bitterness that seeks to kill our ability to wonder and rejoice.
As the letter to Titus reminds us, God's grace has been revealed to all men. The first to know of the birth are the simple shepherds. Not by accident - God thus shows that his love is for every person without distinction. And just as Mary and Joseph protected the little Jesus by fleeing to Egypt, we too must protect our inner child, our visions and hopes from those who would destroy them.
The Christmas message is not just about the poignant birth story. The letter to Titus calls us to transform our lives - to live soberly, righteously, and godly. But it also teaches us to retain our childlike joy, our ability to see the world with new eyes, to not succumb to the cynicism and bitterness of our world.
As we contemplate the manger of Bethlehem today, let us remember that God is coming into our world today as he did then. He comes quietly and humbly, but with the power to transform our lives. I wish for all of us that we do not encounter "Herods", but that we are able to keep the pure perspective of a child on the world. May we be able to protect our dreams and visions, our inner child that God is awakening in us.
May this holy night fill us with a peace that surpasses all our understanding and with the joy of the birth of our Savior, Christ the Lord. May we be enlivened with the ability to look at the world with the eyes of a child, full of wonder and joy, and may we be able to keep this ability and carry it forward into our daily lives.
Amen.
sermon by br. Vladimir V. Karbusicky
Fourth Sunday of Advent
22th December 2024
In this last week of Advent, when our steps and thoughts are focused on the approaching Christmas, let us pause to contemplate the profound mystery of God's coming among us ( Luke 1:39-56).
The prophet Micah (Mi 5:1-4a) reminds us how the Lord in his wisdom chose a small, unassuming Bethlehem for the birth of the greatest of kings. Isn't that amazing? At a time when the world looks to mighty cities and proud palaces, God turns His eyes to the least among the families of Judah. Similarly, he chose the young Mary, a simple girl. In her humility and devotion, we find a model of true faith - a faith that does not ask "why me?" but confidently answers "yes, here I am".
When Mary makes her way to Elizabeth, the future mother of John the Baptist, we see something deeper than a visit to a relative. It is the first meeting of two unborn children - Jesus Christ and John the Baptist - whose lives will forever be linked in God's plan of salvation. John will later prepare the way of the Lord and point to the Lamb of God. This meeting of the two women is full of joy, mutual understanding and shared hope. It reminds us of the wondrous way God connects human destinies. The fellowship of these two women shows us how important it is to have someone with whom we can share our life stories, our joys and our fears. Every day, we too meet people we do not yet know what role they will play in our lives, how deeply they will influence our faith journey, but also the journey of life itself. In today's hectic times, we often forget this value of such encounters and overlook that even seemingly chance encounters can be part of God's plan in our lives.
Christ comes into the world not as a powerful ruler, but as a defenseless child. He comes to fulfill God's will in a way that is beyond our understanding. His coming is not just a historical event - it is a living presence that can touch each of us today. In the hustle and bustle of the pre-Christmas rush, between shopping for gifts and baking cookies, please let us take time to be quiet. Let us reflect on whether there is room in our hearts for the One who comes in silence and humility.
Mary's hymn of praise, the Magnificat, is not just a song of the ancient past. It is a song of a God who turns our human imaginations upside down. A God who lifts up the lowly and feeds the hungry. Isn't that a challenge to us? A call for us to be carriers of this transformative love of God in our neighborhoods?
Sisters and brothers, I wish for us that these last days of Advent may be a time of deep encounter with God and with other people. May peace reign in your homes and joyful anticipation of the One who comes as Light into our darkness.
Prayer:
Our Lord, we thank you for your coming among us. For giving us an example of humility and trust in Mary. Help us to open our hearts to receive you as she did. Grant that we may be your witnesses in this world and be able to bring your love to all we meet.
Amen.
sermon by br. Vladimir V. Karbusicky
Third Sunday of Advent
15th December 2024
(Luke 3:7-18)
When I read today's story, I thought - wow, that's strong, those are strong words. On the one hand joyful, on the other hand very directive, telling people what to do, but full of encouragement and hope.
The narrative begins with John chastising the people for being a breed of vipers, and when someone reproaches them, they begin to curse, "Our father is Abraham." It's as if they're saying, we don't have to do anything, everything we do is allowed by God. But we know from the story of the nation of Israel that this is not the case. How many times in the stories of the Tanakh do we hear how the Israelites were taken, they suffered so much, and in that moment they remembered that they probably weren't doing everything right. They appeal to the grace of God and remember that they could pray, but really pray, in the depth of their hearts with humility on their lips. Don't we sometimes have that too? When things are going well, we take everything for granted and we kind of forget to be thankful, we forget who helped us to get there in the situation we are in. Slowly the finale of the Advent season is approaching - everything is being prepared in families, baking, cleaning, inventing gifts. And frankly, it's mostly the moms who are in charge, who have added something extra to their daily worries - Christmas. Let's try to help them, let's discount the demands. It doesn't have to be all flashy, it doesn't have to be all orchestrated, because then the magic of being together is lost. The family togetherness, the shared spirit and the opportunity to be together. What if we stepped out of our comfort zone and got more involved in the Christmas "madness" to experience for ourselves what it entails. As one joke goes - Jesus was born in a stable, so it doesn't have to be really slick at Christmas to feel good there. Of course, I mean that in hyperbole. But nobody goes crazy if the windows aren't cleaned, the dust wiped off all the shelves. It's all about being together, enjoying the gloomy season that invites it - being at home together. And maybe that makes us realize what treasures we have at home and that the people who live with us are actually fine.
In the next part of the story, John invites us to give away what we have extra. Rather, the idea is that we should not accumulate possessions. And it fits in beautifully with the Christmas madness, where we are convinced every day that we need to buy more of this and this, that Christmas won't be in enough without it. I think the point is to realize again that we are to be grateful for what we have and to give out of our abundance, not scarcity, as it says in another part of the Bible.
About halfway through the story John mentions two vocations that really weren't very popular. And let's face it, they may not be popular today either. On the other hand, we know they are needed. All John is saying is: do what you have to do within your job description and don't go the extra mile. Don't be selfish, realize how much power you have over people at that moment, and act to the best of your knowledge and conscience. We associate the need for troops primarily with times of war and at other times we feel we don't need them. On the other hand, hard on the training ground, easy on the battlefield - i.e. in times of peace we need to prepare, to train, and in times of need, automatics will step in. They will use what the soldiers have learned. War is a terrible thing, no question. But it always depends on the intent with which it is waged. If it's defensive, all is well. If it's waged for profit, whatever we mean by that, it's wrong. So let us do what we are ordered to do within our job descriptions, but let us not exceed our competence.
All these words are actually beautiful. They mean no revolution, they mean no upheaval. John merely named the way we should live, the way we should act. And that's why people have concluded that he is the Savior. However, John led them astray and said that someone stronger would come who would cleanse the wheat from the chaff. Someone who will recognize the iniquities we carry in our hearts. Someone who will gather his sheep around him. One who will have open arms, an open heart and mind - Jesus.
Lord, we are a weak and doubting people, may we find the right path through your words. May we have open hearts and rightly understand the obstacles You set before us. Thank You for Your patience and love. Amen
Sermon by Br. Břetislav Karal
Sermon 20th October 2024
They came to Jericho. And as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, there sat by the way side Bartimaeus the son of Timaeus, a blind beggar.When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"Many admonished him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"Jesus stopped and said: "Call him!" And they called the blind man and said to him, "Stand up, stand up, he is calling you!"He threw off his cloak and jumped up and came to Jesus.Jesus said to him: "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man answered, "Lord, let me see."Jesus said to him: "Go, your faith has saved you." He saw at once, and followed him that way. (Mk 10:46-52)
Dear brothers and sisters,
Today's Gospel brings us the story of Jesus' encounter with blind Bartimaeus. It is a story that takes place on Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, a time when Jesus is approaching the climax of his mission.
Bartimaeus sits by the roadside and begs. His situation seems hopeless - he is blind, dependent on the help of others, on the margins of society. But it is in this situation that he displays extraordinary spiritual sensitivity and faith. When he hears that Jesus is passing by, he begins to cry out: "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
That "Son of David" address is very important. Bartimaeus, though physically blind, spiritually "sees" what many sighted people have not recognized-that Jesus is the promised Messiah. His faith is also manifested in the fact that he will not be silenced by the crowd. When he is heckled, he shouts even louder.
And here comes the key moment - Jesus stops and says, "Call him!" The same people who were shouting at him a moment ago are now saying, "Get up, get up, he's calling you!" How quickly people's attitudes can change when they see that someone has Jesus' attention. How quickly can people's attitudes toward us change?
Bartimaeus' response is remarkable - he throws off his cloak, jumps up and comes to Jesus. The cloak was probably all he had - his protection, his possessions, his security. But he throws it off without hesitation because he believes that meeting Jesus is more important than anything else. Not everyone is willing to give up that certainty for something new, something that will move them forward, change them.
Jesus' question, "What do you want me to do for you?" may sound surprising - isn't it obvious what a blind person wants? But Jesus gives Bartimaeus the space to express his desire, his faith. And Bartimaeus answers simply and directly, "Lord, let me see!"
And then comes the most important part - Jesus says, "Go, your faith has saved you." And Bartimaeus sees the light and follows Jesus on his way. What does this story tell us today?
First of all, it teaches us about true faith - faith that is not afraid to call out to God, even when the environment discourages. A faith that is willing to let go of its certainties. A faith that leads to following Christ.
It also teaches us about God's mercy - Jesus stops, listens, and answers sincere cries for help. No matter how insignificant we may seem in the eyes of the world - in God's eyes, each of us has value.
And last but not least, we are taught about the transformation that comes from encountering Christ. Bartimaeus doesn't sit by the wayside - he becomes a follower. His healing is not just physical, but above all spiritual.
May we too have the courage to call out to Jesus despite the obstacles. May we be willing to let go of our false certainties and trust God. And may our encounter with Christ lead us to truly follow Him on His way.
Amen.
Sermon by Br. Vladimír V. Karbusický
Sermon 6th October 2024
Dear sisters and dear brothers,
I chose today's reading thematically for the ongoing exhibition YOU WILL HAVE SHOES ON YOUR FEET AND A STAFF IN YOUR HAND. I titled today's sermon "Encounters with God Change Lives".
All three biblical stories show us how an encounter with God can profoundly transform human life. These stories remind us that God is still active in our lives and, despite all our transgressions and falls, still desires to meet with us.
First, let's look at Jacob (Gen 28:10-19), who falls asleep in a desolate place while fleeing from his brother. In that most vulnerable moment, when he is alone, God appears to him in a dream. He sees a ladder connecting heaven and earth - a symbol of God's presence and constant care. How many times do we feel lonely and vulnerable? We see our transgressions, our failures, and our bodies are paralyzed by fear that prevents us from seeing Hope. It is in these moments that God can be closest to us. Jacob's experience teaches us that even in the darkest moments of our lives, God is with us and offers us His presence and promise.
Later, we see Jacob wrestling with a mysterious figure (Gen 32:25-31). This struggle symbolizes Jacob's inner struggle with God and with himself. From this encounter, Jacob emerges transformed - with a new name, Israel, but also with a physical injury. This story reminds us that a true encounter with God is not always easy. It can be painful, it can change us, but it always moves us closer to our true selves and thus to Knowledge itself, to God. I would compare this transformation of a person to the metamorphosis of a butterfly. At the beginning, there is a caterpillar barely crawling and eating everything that comes its way. It knows nothing but its surroundings. Then it cocoons. To the outside world, it seems motionless, dead. After a short time, however, the cocoon breaks, and out comes a beautiful butterfly that discovers a world previously unknown. This is how it is with knowing God, which turns us into butterflies that can explore the world. To discover its beauty and diversity.
Finally, we move to the New Testament (John 1:38-51), where Jesus calls his first disciples. Here we see Jesus actively seeking out and inviting people to follow him. The disciples recognize him as the promised Messiah. Here we can see that God is constantly seeking and calling us. He doesn't give up on anyone; He has His divine plan for everyone, which He presents to us in our lives. It's up to us whether we join Him. Jesus knows each of us personally, just as He knew His disciples. And just like the disciples, we are invited to recognize Jesus as the Son of God and follow Him.
Sisters and brothers, these stories remind us that God desires a relationship with us. Whether we feel lonely like Jacob on the run, struggle with inner conflicts, or search for the meaning of life like the disciples, God is ready to meet us and lend us His helping hand.
Let us be inspired by these stories. Let us be open to God's calling in our lives. Let us not be afraid to wrestle with God when we go through difficult times. And above all, let us be prepared that an encounter with God can profoundly change us.
Let us remember that just as Jesus was the "ladder" connecting heaven and earth, we too are called to be a bridge between God and the world around us. May God strengthen us in this mission and may we always be open to His transforming presence in our lives. So let us have a pilgrim's staff in our hand and proper shoes on our feet.
Amen.
Sermon by Br. Vladimír V. Karbusický
Sermon on September 1st, 2024
Today's words from the Gospel of Mark (Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23) invite us to a deeper understanding and reflection on our relationship with God and with ourselves and others.
In our text, Jesus encounters the Pharisees and scribes who criticize his disciples for not observing traditional cleansing rituals. This situation shows us how easily we can slip into formalism in our faith, but also in the actions of our lives. How many times do we also focus more on outward appearances than on the actual content?
Jesus warns us, "This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me." (Mk 7:6) Please let us reflect on whether what we do are not just empty gestures and thus our hearts are not transformed into love and understanding of others.
Another important point that Jesus emphasizes is the difference between God's commandments and human traditions. He says, "You have forsaken the commandments of God and are clinging to the traditions of men." (Mk 7:8)
How often do we too hold on to our customs and traditions without thinking about their real meaning? Traditions then become an empty shell without enriching us and connecting us to our ancestors. Are we not also forgetting the essence of God's message of love and mercy?
Jesus teaches us that what really pollutes us is not from without, but from within. "Nothing that enters a man from without can defile him; but what comes out of a man defiles him." (Mk 7:15)
This is a revolutionary idea that calls us to deep self-examination. It is not external circumstances that make us sinful, but our own thoughts, words and actions. We must always remember that the Word creates. God created and creates by the Word, by thought. Man, born in the image of God, also creates in a limited way by the Word. Just as we can encourage by the Word, we can also stomp a man into the ground by the Word. It is sometimes difficult, and even I have to be careful that I do not sometimes react rashly with words. I always keep in mind, don't get angry. Wait, leave this moment to the Lord. Wait at least an hour, if not until the next day. Then respond with your words, perhaps it is not as it seems now. I also find the words of Jesus helpful, from Mark's Gospel, when he said to Peter: "Get out of my way, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me." I recommend saying them in your mind, not out loud.
Brothers and sisters, Jesus' words call us to honesty and authenticity. It's not about what we look like on the outside, but what we are on the inside.
Let us please focus on our inner transformation. Let us ask God for a pure heart and a sincere mind.
Let us remember that true piety comes from the heart and is manifested in love for God and neighbor. May the Holy Spirit lead us to a deeper knowledge of God's will and to life.
the sermon of Brother Vladimir V. Karbusicky
Sermon on August 4th
the sermon of Brother Vladimir V. Karbusicky